Ramping up toward the main event

There are many other events taking place before the big day itself that you’re not going to want to miss so take heed. See, there they are below this paragraph. Down there. Stop reading this bit now. Seriously. You’ll thank us for it.

Friday, 27 April

Happy Hour Series: Singh’s Roti Shop 5pm – 7pm Speaks for itself…

Wednesday, 2 May

Masquerade Dinner Fete: Tiki Beach, 7pm $75 – tables of 10 also available Trinidadian Oskar B leads the entertainment at this exciting celebration, which Batabano’s Donna Myrie says will be a fantastic evening. “Tiki Beach is a lovely facility; we’re going to have roast suckling pig, chicken, fish, all sides – a one of a kind meal. We are blessed to have steel pan music from Earl la Pierre plus the special Oscar B. “It will be an island chic evening where we entertain sponsors, clients and more. It’s a really good socialising evening where who knows, you may meet new friends and even strike up business deals. The world is in recession and we have all suffered so we are offering so much more for less. Take the opportunity to be part of this brilliant community event,” Donna tells us.

Thursday, 3 May

Glow Up Close and Personal with Alison Hinds: RoofTop Lounge, 8pm. $25 The Queen of Soca herself will be in full voice at this fab, limited capacity event. George Jones formed the band Square One in the eighties, which featured Alison as vocalist. “It was and continues to be an absolute pleasure working with Alison Hinds, she is one of the nicest and most genuine artiste in entertainment and she has a very big heart,” says George. “She is great because she has paid her dues as an artist, she did not start out at the top. She came through the ranks with Square One and knows what it was like to struggle and sacrifice, so when her big moment came she was quite prepared and experienced. She has a great personality and connects well with the audience. “Her performances are always dynamic and exciting. Full of fun, excitement and audience participation,” George tells us. Square One cofounder Anderson Blood Armstrong will also be at the event, George continues. “He was the Road March and Party Monarch King in Barbados last year and he has a few big songs which were quite popular in Cayman Islands, notably The ‘Plumber’, ‘Kitty Kat’, ‘Foot on Fire” to name a few. “He is one of the most dynamic male vocalists to be found anywhere in the Caribbean. He has his own Reddhead recording studio in and has dedicated his time and service to producing most of the young and upcoming artistes in Barbados,” says the music legend.

Forthcoming events

Friday, 4 May

Dress Down Day: According to Donna, this is an opportunity for the community to recognise and celebrate Carnival in the workplace. T-shirts are available in the Batabano logo, she tells us.

Street Fete: Featuring Oscar B and local musicians

Saturday, 5 May

Cayman Carnival: Batabano Street Parade

Art in the Heart: International Food Festival

Friday, 25 May

The Last Hoorah: Spotts Dock, 9pm. A special Carnival village set up and atmosphere brings it all to a close in style – when de sun go down, da music play so bring your dancing feets nah!

BatabaView: Upload your own exciting video coverage to the Cayman Carnival YouTube page for a chance to win an Olympus camera from Cathy Church.